Meal Planning Timeline
An 8‑week plan that turns chaos into calm. Use the scheduler to generate your day‑of cooking plan.
8‑Week Countdown Timeline
Week 8: Menu planning & dietary considerations
Decide guest count, allergies, budget, and style (traditional, modern, blends).
Week 6: Shopping list & make‑ahead strategy
Map which dishes freeze well and which need day‑of attention.
Week 4: Table, décor, and equipment check
Confirm oven space, roasting pan, thermometers, warming strategy.
Week 2: Finalize menu and non‑perishables
Buy shelf‑stable items; confirm special orders (turkey weight).
Week 1: Pre‑prep & batch cooking
Make cranberry sauce, pie dough, casserole bases; chop/freezer‑prep.
Day‑Of: Hour‑by‑hour execution
Use the generator below to build your cooking schedule.
Cooking Schedule Optimizer
Your schedule will appear here.
Assumes ~13 minutes/lb at 325°F for a standard bird (unstuffed). Always verify with a thermometer (165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh).
Next Steps
Build your Shopping List and duplicate it for guests/portions. Use the Checklists to stay on track.